Vazquez rescues point for USMNT in Gold Cup opener
(image via USMNT)
The United States Men’s National Team opened the 17th edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup at Soldier Field playing host to Jamaica. The last time these teams met in the Gold Cup, the United States beat Jamaica 1-0 in the first knockout round in 2021. These teams played twice in World Cup Qualifying with a draw in Jamaica and a win for the United States at home. This was a tough matchup for both sides that ended up in a hard fought 1-1 draw.
To begin the game, it was all USA dominating the possession. The Americans created a great shooting opportunity for Alan Sonora from the middle of the box that was saved to Andre Blake’s left. Minutes later a foul by Aidan Morris created a set piece opportunity. This free kick was taken by Demarai Grey that found Damion Lowe unmarked in the middle of the box. The header flew past Matt Turner as Jamaica opened the scoring against the run of play.
15 minutes later, Aidan Morris had another poor foul, this time giving away a penalty kick. Winger Leon Bailey stepped up to take the penalty and shot it low to Matt Turner’s left. Turner was very quick to react, making the save to keep the game in reach for the United States. The rebound fell back to Bailey as he shot the ball just wide.
The United States continued pushing for an equalizer as Aaron Long had a clear chance with his head off a corner that went just high. Right on the stroke of half time, Jordan Morris had a shot assisted by Jesus Ferreira that was saved by Andre Blake.
There was not a ton of action to open the second half until the 71st minute when Cade Cowell set up Cristian Roldan for a shot that was saved once again. Aidan Morris then had a shot right after that go just wide.
Entering the final minutes of the game, The United States were throwing more numbers forward as they subbed out left back John Tolkin for another striker in Brandon Vazquez. The United States continued to dominate the ball and looked to create more opportunities as Roldan had another attempt that went just wide.
As the United States kept piling on the pressure, the ball found its way to Jesus Ferreira on the right wing. After some clever footwork, he managed to get some space to float in a cross to the back post. This cross deflected off Dexter Lembikisa and fell right to substitute Brandon Vazquez at the edge of the six-yard box. Brandon lashed it in from close range to give the United States the late equalizer.
This equalizer got the United States a very important point as the favorites should not be opening the tournament with a loss. The United States do need to massively improve their attacking output if they are going to win this tournament once again. Jamaica looked a strong side with loads of talent from the English league system now on their team.
The United States will look to get their first win of the tournament on Wednesday as they play in St Louis against Saint Kitts and Nevis in what should be an easy game. A win in this match should almost qualify them for the knockout round. We all do know what happened last time the United States needed a result against Trinidad and Tobago, however. Kickoff for Wednesday’s game is at 8:30 PM CT.
